Lake Shannon

The lower reservoir in the Baker River valley, Shannon was renown for its prolific kokanee population and great sport catches. But changes in the overall management of both reservoirs and their salmon have chilled this once hot angling spot.

There's now a slot size limit on trout (minimum 5 inches to 18 inches maximum) and bull trout are off-limits altogether. Opening day yields can be good for kokanee especially down-lake near the dam, if you chum (feed) up the waters. If you value solitude more than hot fishing, Shannon's expanses are for you. And with 14 miles of lake to work, pulling gang trolls at several depths is easily doable and may take a fish or two. Beware of windy afternoons.

Season: Last Saturday in April to Oct. 31.

Angler amenities: Some shore fishing at the launch. The ramp is wide and graveled but can be rough when the reservoir is low. At present, Shannon is dropping at 437 feet above sea level now at five feet below full pool.

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Getting there: Take Cook Road east to Sedro-Woolley, then continue east on Highway 20 to Concrete. Cross the Lowell Peterson Bridge and take the next left turn, take another left at the stop sign and then the uphill right before crossing the old bridge.

This will take you to either the dam or past Everett Lake to the power-line right-of-way and the left turn downhill to the launch.